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Experimental Manager

Reports To: Vice President of Engineering
Status: Exempt

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The individual will work in the Experimental Engineering department and will be responsible for conducting, overseeing, and managing R&D and certification ground/flight testing; providing oversight and mentoring to the Experimental Engineering group in test preparation, instrumentation, safety of flight coordination, test conduct, and test reporting; participating in FAA certification projects; and supporting other Engineering Groups on an “as needed/as available” basis depending upon his/her other skills and abilities. If this individual possesses an FAA pilot’s license, this position may also have some Test Pilot duties depending upon his/her license, ratings, and experience. As the Experimental Engineering Manager, the individual will be responsible for all direct hires within the Experimental Engineering department. The candidate will report to the Vice President of Engineering.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Test Engineer:
This individual will be responsible for R&D and certification ground/flight testing, including:

    • Reviewing proposed projects and developing compliance and test matrices.
    • Planning, writing, and/or reviewing test plans and reports; including data reduction.
    • Overseeing aircraft configuration, including instrumentation.
    • Overseeing and/or conducting tests, including pilot coordination as required.
    • Coordinating test activities with certification agencies (FAA, etc.).
    • Preparing Type Inspection Reports.
    • Reviewing Rotorcraft Flight Manuals.

Experimental Manager:
Responsible for Experimental Engineering organization, management system, personnel assignments, and resource allocation to meet Engineering Organization’s objectives. Provide support and mentoring to less experienced mechanics, technicians, and engineers within the Experimental Engineering group.

Flight Test Pilot:
Depending upon the individual’s qualifications, responsibilities may include some Test Pilot duties, including:

    • Aircraft tracking and maintenance check flights
    • Instrumentation checks
    • Company R&D test flights
    • TIA/certification test flights

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Labview Programmer
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including experience in Chief of Test positions.
  • Advanced understanding of aircraft structure and systems, rotorcraft dynamics, aerodynamics, and powerplant.
  • An advanced understanding of FAA rules, regulations, and certification processes.
  • An understanding and ability to write test practices and procedures.
  • Advanced computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
  • Superior problem solving skills.
  • Superior communication skills (verbal and written).
  • An ability to work multiple projects and multi-task. P
  • roven management and organizational skills.
  • An ability to work with and mentor people.
  • Rotorcraft Pilot’s license is highly desirable.
  • FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is desirable, but not required